C.H.E.S.S. (Christian Home Educators Support System) is our campus homeschool group. NOBTS has 25 to 30 families with over 70 children from Pre-K through 12th grade who choose to homeschool. We provide elective classes to supplement the teaching the parents provide in the core curriculum. These classes can very from year to year but usually include a foreign language, music or art, drama, Bible club and P.E. classes for all ages. We take monthly field trips and participate in scholastic books program. Moms meet each month to organize events for the kids and encourage and pray for one another. Each May, C.H.E.S.S. provides the opportunity for the children in grades 1 through 12 to take the Stanford Achievement testing. Commencement is our final event for the school year. If you are going to be a part of the NOBTS family during the 2008-2009 school year and you will be homeschooling your child, please contact Laura Riley at laura_riley@bellsouth.net or 504-282-5421.

Getting Started in Homeschooling

Each child in the state of Louisiana must attend school and be registered with the state from their 7th birthday until their 18th birthday. In the state of Louisiana, there are two options for legal homeschooling. A summary of the options can be found at www.hslda.org under "State Laws."

Option 1: Home Study Program / Home School Statute

This option allows the high school senior to qualify for TOPS (Tuition Opportunity Program for Students) which is a scholarship program for Louisiana students who attend a Louisiana college or university. The application, general information, guidelines, and curriculum information can be found at www.la-home-education.com under "Summary of Louisiana Homeschool options," then "Is there another way to homeschool? The home-study option."

Option 2: Alternate Statute / In-Home Private School Program

This option does not allow high school seniors to qualify for TOPS. A sample letter of intent can by found at www.la-home-education.com under "Summary of Louisiana Homeschool Options," then, "How to Register as a Private School."